Green & Black’s have had to change their labelling of their products previously labelled non-dairy, lactose free and vegan. Here is the statement in full from Green & Black’s
To whom it may concern.
Green & Black’s announced changes to the dairy allergy statements on the wrappers of our dark chocolate bars in. There has been no change to the recipe of these bars; the change is simply in the way in which the risks of dairy cross contamination are being communicated on bar wrappers. The outline behind this decision is explained below:
As you may be aware, there are no milk ingredients in the recipe of our Dark chocolate bars and this continues to be the case. However, the bars are produced on the same production line as Milk chocolate bars within our range. The bars have previously, therefore, carried the following statement to reflect this: ‘Manufactured in a factory that handles dairy ingredients.’
A recent audit revealed that traces of milk residues can still be found on manufacturing equipment despite intensive cleaning. Therefore, in order to ensure that consumers are at minimum risk, our allergen statements will be changed and we will clearly state on pack that milk residues may be present in dark chocolate bars across the range. This will be indicated by the inclusion of ‘Organic Whole Milk Powder’ within the ingredients list itself and a ‘Contains Milk Ingredient’ statement on pack. The Vegan labelling was also consequently removed from pack. The new packaging has already been printed and is filtering through to supermarkets. To re-iterate, this labelling change will affect all dark chocolate products within our range.
Therefore, there is actually no change to the risk to allergy-sufferers as the recipes and ingredients that go into the making of the bars have not changed. What we are now clearly stating on pack is that we cannot guarantee the absence of milk. It is almost certainly going to be present – albeit at a low level. This packaging change ensures that consumers, especially milk allergy sufferers, are aware of the possibility and this represents a positive step in consumer communication.
We are eager to inform consumers of this change to prevent any possible concern that may arise. Therefore, this information is displayed clearly on our website at www.greenandblacks.com and we have been working with organisations such as Allergy UK, the Anaphylaxis Campaign and the Vegan Society to ensure that this may be clearly communicated to allergy sufferers and vegans alike.
Separate dedicated lines for our dark and milk chocolate bars would be the only way to eliminate the risks of dairy cross contamination in the dark chocolate. At present, the restrictions for organic segregation and the design of plant we need for our type of chocolate restricts the availability of equipment. We are very certain however that we must work towards alternative equipment and we are planning to provide a dedicated production line by the end of 2009. Our hope is that we can make product available early in 2010.
I hope that this information, along with the attached FAQ’s and image of the new labelling, is of some help to you to further clarify our position. However, if you have any further queries or comments at all, please do not hesitate to contact me again. I have also duly noted your contact details and please be assured that I will contact you again should there be any changes to our dairy allergen labelling in future.
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I think that this was a very dignified and responsible decision Green & Blacks made by doing this. I am a vegan myself and the company must have been aware that they would be losing a large proportion of their sales, but went ahead to ensure absolute safety of their consumers (those with allergies).
Originally, I was very upset as I thought I would no longer be able to enjoy Green & Blacks chocolate when this information was revealed a year or so back.
It always seemed to be the ideal vegan gift to buy non-vegan friends – as it was a brand everyone was familiar with and liked.
I am thrilled to hear they are working on getting a dedicated line!
I am devastated that Green and Blacks have changed hands. When it was privately owned I could eat corrpous amounts of it and loved it. I introduced it to all my friends. Since being taken over by Cadburys or whoever it was sold to, there is definately milk in the chocolate, althought its not listed in the ingredients. Very disappointed that we are left yet again without being able to buy chocolate off the shelf. I have gone back to ordering from D & D chocolates which I have done for many years. SHAME ON YOU GREEN AND BLACKS and Cadburys for yet again putting profit before what the customer wants.
I don’t have a problem if Green & Blacks dark chocolates are manufactured on the same machines as products with dairy in them. However, in recent months Green & Blacks has changed the recipe of all their dark chocolates to include milk products. It’s on their list of ingredients. They are no longer vegan or dairy free no matter how you look at the dairy issue. I used to also buy them as gifts to fellow vegan, but I can’t any longer. Cadbury bought G&B in 2005, and Kraft bought them out earlier this year, so that explains a lot. There’s nothing worse than can happen to a quality food product than to be taken over by a mega corporation. I now tend to doubt the validity of their “organic” claim as well. Another good products down the toilet.